LECTURES & IDEAS

Voyager Lecture Series

Investing in Liquid Assets: Leveraging Sustainability Data to Combat Water Scarcity

Presentation by Jennifer N. Coombs, MSF, CSRIC®

Optional Social Hour With Like-Minded Friends, Light Snacks And Beverages @ 6:30pm

The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

In this presentation, we will explore the pivotal role of sustainable investing data in addressing the challenge of water scarcity. As water becomes increasingly scarce due to climate change and population growth, it is imperative for investors and consumers alike to scrutinize the actions of companies regarding water management. We will delve into how sustainable investing can drive positive change in pinpointing adaptation, mitigation, and resilience strategies. By examining key metrics such as water usage efficiency, wastewater management, public commitments, and innovation in water-saving technologies, we can identify companies that are actively contributing to water conservation efforts and those that may be exacerbating the problem. Join us as we navigate the intersection of finance and environmental stewardship to secure a more water-secure future for all.

Jennifer (Jenny) Coombs is the Director of Client Success at Ethos ESG: a values-based and impact investing data and analytics software that is part of ACA Group’s ESG advisory team. She continues to serve as an adjunct professor at The College for Financial Planning (CFFP) where in 2018 she developed the Chartered SRI Counselor™ (CSRIC™) designation program in partnership with The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF), as the first professional financial designation education program in the United States exclusively devoted to sustainable investing.

In 2023, she was named one of Investment News’ 40 Under 40 honorees for her work in teaching financial advisors fundamentals in sustainable investing, was named CFFP’s 2022 Faculty of the Year, and was a finalist for the 2019 SRI Service Award – one of the most prestigious awards in the sustainable investing space. She has given two TED talks on the topic of sustainable and responsible investing: “Investing for a Better World: Using Wall Street to Implement Social Change” (November 2015 at TEDx Jersey City), and “Stopping the Rebuttal: Millennial Investors and the Future of Sustainability” (April 2018 at TEDx Clarkson University). She has also given presentations at and interviews on “Dollars & Change” with the Wharton Business School Radio on Sirius XM, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, The Society of Financial Services Professionals (FSP), The CFA Institute of New York, US SIF Annual Conference, ESG for Impact, Raymond James Wealth Management, and Advisor Group.

Jenny holds a Master of Science in finance (MSF), a Bachelor of Science (BS) in financial information analysis and political science. She is a member of the advisory board at ESG Clarity and the education committee at US SIF.